vlei

noun

variants or less commonly vlaie or vly

in sense 1 ˈf|lā or ˈv| or |lī or Afrik ˈfləi,

in sense 2 ˈvlī or ˈflī

plural -s

1

or less commonly vley southern Africa : a marshy depression in which water collects in the wet season : a temporary lake : pan

2

North : marsh

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from Afrikaans vlei meadow, valley, vlei, from Middle Dutch valeye valley, field, from Old French valee; in sense 2, from obsolete Dutch dialect (Hudson valley) vlei, from Middle Dutch valeye

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now